Tuesday, January 29, 2013

DIY Graphic Print Phrase Sweatshirt

Graphic print sweatshirts are everywhere these days whether it's an animal emblazoned across the front or a catchy little phrase. While there are many out there to love, I found myself wanting one that is unique and that no one else had. That's when I had the idea to just make my own!

Honestly, this project was incredibly easy. The hunt for the perfect sweatshirt that wasn't too thick, too thin, or have too small of a crew neck was the hardest. After perusing the interwebs and my local craft stores, I landed on this heather grey bella sweatshirt on Amazon. After that, the rest was a breeze.

Want to create your own personalized graphic phrase sweatshirt? Read on to find out how.

The Materials

A sweatshirt (I used a Bella Wide Neck Fleece)

Desired phrase/design

Fabric spray paint (I used Tulip Fabric Spray Paint in white)

Stencils (I used Helvetica 2" lettering stencils)

Sponge brush

Cardboard box with one side at least as big as your design

Pins

Measuring tape

Plan Your Layout

I recommend putting on the sweatshirt and looking in the mirror to envision where you'd like it to be positioned. Use pins to mark the desired positioning before you take off the sweatshirt. Use a measuring tape to find the center and use a pin to mark the center (as shown).

Prepare to Paint

Break down your box into two large, flat pieces. Slip one piece of cardboard inside the sweatshirt to protect the the sweatshirt from any paint that may bleed through. This is important; even with my lightly applied design, I had paint on the cardboard when I was done. The other, you can use as the space to spray paint onto your sponge brush.

Start Stenciling

Lay your stencil on the sweatshirt starting with the center of the word and use your sponge brush to apply the paint rather than spraying directly on the sweatshirt. Be sure to press the stencil down as firmly as possible to avoid bleeding paint under the edges.

Work your way out, letter by letter, until you're done.

If any of your letters have gaps from the stencil, you can fill them in by dipping the corner of the sponge brush in paint and carefully dabbing on the gap.

When applying the paint, do so in thin layers and build the opacity to your desired look. I went for a more distressed type of look and kept the paint somewhat thin. Allow to dry according to directions on paint bottle.

Adiel, I LOVE this! I have been wanting a sweatshirt like this... but have been too cheap to shell out the cash, especially because I don't know how long I will love it, you know? I can't wait to scour the thrift store for the perfect sweatshirt to spice up! :)